US-based NGO commends Nigerian military on civilian protection

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February 6, 2017 10:32 PM

Mrs Chitra Nagarajam, gave the commendation in Maiduguri at the opening of a two-day workshop.

Nigerian Army Troops

A US-based NGO, the Center for Civilians In Conflicts (CIVIC), on Monday commended the Nigerian military for its commitment to the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

CIVIC Team Leader in Nigeria, Mrs Chitra Nagarajam, gave the commendation in Maiduguri at the opening of a two-day workshop on protection of civilians in armed conflicts for officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

Lt.-Col. Kingsley Samuel, the spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated this in a statement.

Samuel said that the event was held at the Nigerian Army Wolf Officers Mess in Maiduguri.

According to the statement, Nagarajam said that civilians are always at the receiving end of conflicts globally.

“Civilians are caught in conflicts more than ever before; hence the need for troops to be well informed on the rights and protection of civilians during armed conflicts."

“The only way to restore security and combat violence is to spell out roles of the troops during conflict, especially as it involves the protection of civilians,” she said.

Nagarajam urged the military to focus more on the protection of civilians since military’s successes were recorded based on minimal civilian casualties rather than the number of terrorist captured or killed.

She pledged CIVIC’s readiness to support the military with policies that protect civilians in armed conflict zones.

Also speaking at the event, Gov. Kashim Shettima said the importance of civilian protection during armed conflicts could not be over-emphasised, as it was essential to restoration of peace in conflict areas.

He commended the 7 Division Nigerian Army, for collaborating with CIVIC in complementing the state government’s efforts at relocating displaced persons back to their various communities.

Shettima was represented by the Commissioner of Justice, Alhaji Kakashehu Lawal.

In attendance were the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, representatives of 3 and 8 Division, as well as Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole.

Others were heads of security agencies in the state.

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